System for dispatching information packets and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A system ( 20 ) for simplex dispatch of an information packet ( 22 ) utilizing a telecommunication network ( 24 ) is provided. The system ( 20 ) includes an origination unit ( 26 ), a server ( 42 ), and a destination unit ( 28 ). The origination unit ( 26 ) is configured to generate an origination packet ( 50 ) containing a voice frame ( 54 ), and to transmit the origination packet ( 50 ) utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switching service of network ( 24 ). The origination unit ( 26 ) and the server ( 42 ) are coupled through an origination cell site ( 36 ) of the network ( 24 ). The server ( 42 ) is configured to receive the origination packet ( 50 ), to convert the origination packet ( 50 ) to a destination packet ( 52 ) containing a voice frame ( 54 ) and/or a text frame ( 56 ), and to transmit the destination packet ( 52 ). The server ( 42 ) and the destination unit ( 28 ) are coupled through a destination cell site ( 46 ) of the network ( 24 ). The destination unit ( 28 ) is configured to receive the destination packet ( 52 ) utilizing a non-circuit-switching service of the network ( 24 ), and to present the contents of the destination packet ( 52 ) to a recipient ( 174 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/495,391, entitled, “System For DispatchingInformation Packets And Method Therefor,” filed on Jan. 31, 2000, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 6,801,524, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication.More specifically, the present invention relates to the field ofwireless simplex packet communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a considerable need for dispatch communications, i.e., simplexbi-directional communications between a dispatcher and remote (field)units. This need is conventionally filled by specialized equipmentoperating over dedicated frequencies. Examples of this type of equipmentare the dispatch radios used by police, fire, ambulance, taxi, anddelivery services. In dispatch systems, a single dispatch unit typicallyuses one frequency (frequency “A”) for transmission and anotherfrequency (frequency “B” for reception, with all field units usingfrequency “B” for transmission and frequency “A” for reception.

Dispatch radios share many problems with other simplex systems, e.g.,construction-site walkie-talkie radios, personal-service radios, andother business radios. In such systems, all units typically use a singlefrequency for both transmission and reception. By necessity, the numberof units in such systems is severely limited.

Such communication systems are often simplex. That is, a given unit mayonly transmit or receive at one time, but not both. This limitation isboth a weakness and a strength of such systems. Since only one unit of acommunicating pair may be transmitting at one time, interruptions areimpossible, regardless of the urgency involved. On the other hand, theequipment need not have the complexity and expense of full duplexcommunication equipment. Because of their similarities, dispatching andsingle-frequency systems may be generally classed as push-to-talk (PTT)systems for the purposes of this discussion.

PTT systems suffer from a significant number of problems. A major one ofthese problems is that PTT systems are typically proprietary. That is,the equipment for a given system is often made by a single manufacturer.This obliges the user/owner to deal with this single manufacturer. Theequipment is therefore often more expensive than similar equipment forother services, even though that other equipment may be moresophisticated than the needed equipment. The reasons for this arecomplex, involving the scale of production as well as the lack ofcompetition.

Similarly, such equipment often must be serviced by specially trainedand licensed personnel. Again, being a small market, a given area willoften have only a small pool of qualified service agencies/personnel.Such an agency is typically licensed or certified by the manufacturer.This again leaves the user/owner at the mercy of the manufacturerthrough the service personnel, resulting in a decrease in competitionand an increase in service expenses.

Because such PTT equipment is often manufactured and serviced by asingle company, the user/owner may well be left without support of anykind should that manufacturer cease to do business. Alternatively, theuser/owner of the equipment may be faced with a considerable difficultyshould the local service agency of the equipment manager cease torepresent that manufacturer. This often necessitates that the equipmentbe returned to the manufacturer for servicing, thereby effectingunreasonable delays.

PTT systems are typically manufactured to fulfill specific and uniquerequirements. That is, while the PTT dispatch system used by a taxicabcompany is similar in design and function to that used by a firedepartment, they are designed to operate at different frequencies andare not interchangeable. This non-interchangeability extends beyondphysical constraints and into the areas of licensing and legislation.Therefore, a small rural volunteer fire department on a tight budget isconstrained from using donated taxi dispatching systems. The systems andtheir components are not interchangeable.

Because of this incompatibility of hardware and operating frequencies,two different PTT systems cannot readily intercommunicate. For example,in an emergency situation it may be desirable to coordinate police,fire, and medical field units from a single dispatching unit. This isnot normally feasible without a special cross-service dispatching unitand/or multiple dispatching units in the same location. Overcoming suchincompatibilities increases the expense of each of the systems whilebeing an inefficient compromise at best. Additionally, the use of such acentralized and complex dispatching center often necessitates the use ofa highly skilled and specially trained dispatcher (operator). This, too,increases system expense.

PTT systems typically operate within specific frequency bands by law.These bands have limited capabilities, thus creating a problem when manyservices must use the same band. Since each PTT system providing a givenclass of service, e.g., taxicab dispatching, must share the same bandwhile simultaneously utilizing different channels (frequency allocationswith the band), such channels are often at a premium in largemetropolitan areas. Occupation of all available channels in a given areawould prohibit the assignment of another channel in that area.Therefore, a potential new user may be inhibited from receiving a neededlicense.

Likewise, since a shortage of channels may produce a waiting list forlicenses, the loss of a license for a given channel, however briefly andfor whatever reason, may result in the assignment of that specificchannel to a new licensee, thereby effectively driving the formerlicense holder out of business.

PTT systems also have coverage problems. Not only does the specificequipment have an operating range limited by design, the operating rangeis also limited by geography. For example, operation is typicallylimited to “line-of-sight” for the frequencies and signals involved.Shadows may thereby be cast by natural and artificial geography. In atypical scenario, for example, a taxicab dispatching service may losecontact with any cab in an area shadowed by a hill. Similarly, amessenger service may have only intermittent and unpredictable contactwith messengers in a downtown area due to a large number of steel andconcrete buildings. Both problems derive from the very structure of aPTT dispatching system. That is, all mobile field units must communicatewith a fixed dispatching unit via an electromagnetic line-of-sight.Therefore, if the geophysical relationship between the field unit andthe dispatching unit is such as to inhibit transmission and/orreception, then communication is lost.

Dispatching systems make up a significant portion of PTT systems in use.PTT dispatching systems typically have a single dispatching unit and aplurality of field units. As previously mentioned, the dispatching unitmay transmit on frequency “A” and receive on frequency “B,” while thefield units transmit on frequency “B” and receive on frequency “A.” Thismeans that a PTT dispatching system has an assigned dispatching unitthat differs in kind as well as operation from the field units.

The centralized dispatching unit of a PTT dispatch system typicallytransmits to all field units simultaneously. That is, a typicaltwo-frequency PTT dispatching system cannot readily communicate to onlya subset of the assigned field units. There are systems in whichselective dispatching is implemented, but all such systems are expensiveand inefficient. For example, each field unit may have an addressaffixed to the beginning of each dispatch intended exclusivelytherefore. The use of such an address header therefore allows privatemessages to be dispatched. However, this increases radically incomplexity when multiple (but not all) field units are to be addressed.

In an alternative dispatching scheme, the centralized dispatching unitmay have multiple transmission frequencies. This allows normaldispatches (i.e., those intended for all field units) to be transmittedon a first frequency with selective dispatches being transmitted on asecond frequency. In this scheme, the dispatcher would instruct theappropriate field units to switch to the second frequency prior to thetransmission of a selective dispatch. However, this scheme requires anincrease in complexity in both the dispatch and field units, includingthe incorporation of a switching mechanism with a corresponding decreasein reliability.

The complexity of dispatching to selected units using known conventionaldispatching schemes increases dramatically when the number and addressesof the selected units is dynamic. In a highly dynamic emergencysituation, for example a forest fire, the “groups” to be addressed maychange many times in the course of the emergency as personnel move fromone location to another. Conventional dispatching systems simply lackthe flexibility to change fast enough to optimize the dispatching.Rather, under most such dynamic situations, the dispatcher is reduced togeneral all-unit dispatching only.

There are many circumstances when general all-unit dispatches are lessthan optimal. For example, peace officers may be making a covert entryinto a building. The last thing desired in such a situation is a suddenoutburst over the radio. Selective dispatching, therefore, should notonly be capable of easily and efficiently dispatching to only selectedfield units, it should be capable of easily and efficiently notdispatching to selected field units. This is not easily accomplishedwith currently available PTT dispatching systems.

Another problem exists with conventional PTT dispatching systems in thatmulti-level dispatching is not practical without exceptionally complexequipment and/or operations. In a multi-level dispatching scheme of fourlevels (e.g., headquarters, groups, teams, field units), an overalldispatcher at headquarters would be capable of dispatching down directlyto all field units and/or to all group dispatches. Each group dispatcherwould be capable of dispatching down to all field units within thatgroup, down to all team dispatchers within that group, and/or up to theheadquarters dispatcher. Each group dispatcher would be capable ofdispatching down to all field units within that team, up to the groupdispatcher for that team, and/or (optionally) up to the headquartersdispatcher. Such a “chain of command” structure is ideal forcoordination during major emergencies (such as earthquakes or floods),but cannot be readily realized with conventional PTT dispatchingservices without the complexity and expense of military-type equipment.

The dispatching unit of a PTT system is different in kind to the fieldunits. The dispatching unit is typically a fixed “base station.” Assuch, the dispatching unit is tied to mains service and is not mobile.This causes PTT dispatching systems to be severely handicapped duringfluid situations where the base station may be lost. To cover for suchcircumstances, a “mobile base unit” may be used, typically analternative base station mounted in a truck or other vehicle. Such amobile base station adds significantly to the overall expense of a PTTsystem. The expense involved often drives such a feature beyond therange of small communities who, ironically, may best benefit from it.

Again, because the dispatch unit of a PTT dispatch system is inherentlydifferent than a field unit, a field unit cannot normally be used as analternative dispatch unit in the event of failure of the dispatch unit.Therefore, the integrity of the entire system depends upon the integrityof a single dispatch unit. Should the dispatch unit fail, the entiresystem fails. This poses a less-than-optimal situation when the PTTdispatch system is critical, necessitating the acquisition of a seconddispatch unit whose sole function is to stand by in case the primarydispatch unit should fail. Again, this represents a waste of resources.

Where the PTT dispatch system is less critical, the failure of thedispatch unit causes the system to be inoperative while the dispatchunit is repaired or replaced. This necessitates the use of alternativecommunications (e.g., telephones), which provide an awkward solution atbest.

The field units in some PTT dispatch systems do not normally have theability to intercommunicate. That is, the field units in a systemnormally all transmit on frequency “B” and receive on frequency “A.” Nofield unit can then receive the transmission from another field unit.This lack of intercommunication necessitates that a typical field unitmay convey information to another field unit only through the dispatchunit. This places an additional burden upon the dispatcher and slowsdown the conveyance of intelligence, making coordinated efforts moredifficult.

Certain types of specialized field units have the ability to transmitand receive upon alternative frequencies. When this ability is engaged,those specific field units effectively are removed from the PTT dispatchsystem and become a local single-frequency PTT system. This conditionposes the potential of a serious problem during a crisis situation.While the needed and necessary local intercommunication is enabled,those field units are inhibited from receiving information from thedispatch unit. Such information may be critical e.g., the inability ofexpected backup to arrive when planned.

Another problem exists with conventional PTT dispatching system in that,other than by direct query and extrapolation therefrom, the dispatcherhas no way of knowing the locations of the field units. This means that,even if sophisticated multi-channel equipment is used, the dispatch unitcannot readily transmit a zone dispatch, i.e., a dispatch to all unitswithin a specific geographical area. During a crisis, considerableeffort is expended for the sole purpose of keeping track of theindividual field units. This effort often entails several people and aconsiderable amount of traffic for location determination. Such anability, totally lacking in conventional PTT dispatching systems, wouldbe invaluable coordinating even a small crisis (e.g., the coordinationof taxicabs with the near-simultaneous arrival and departure of severalmajor flights during a rush hour).

Conventional PTT dispatching systems often lack in system security. Suchsystems typically use conventional amplitude or frequency modulation (AMor FM) utilizing analog (i.e., non-digital) modulation techniques. Thisapproach, while cost-effective, is very insecure and does little toinhibit eavesdropping.

A courier service, for example, depends heavily upon its establishedcustomer base for survival. Were an unscrupulous competitor to eavesdropupon the courier service's dispatches for a relatively short period oftime, that competitor might then be in a position to determine thecourier service's major clients and the number of pick-ups anddeliveries per week. With this information, the competitor may be ableto successfully underbid the courier service for those clients.

In a similar but more critical vein, were an unscrupulous press able tomonitor police dispatches during a major crisis, important informationmay be leaked that would jeopardize negotiations and perhaps cost lives.

One answer to the eavesdropping problem is to encrypt the information.This is a straightforward procedure in digital systems, but somewhatcumbersome and expensive in analog systems. While encoding can besuccessfully used in critical PTT dispatching services (police, fire,etc.), it is often cost-prohibitive for business systems.

Attempts to substitute for encryption often involve the use of elaboratecodes. Such codes may require considerable training, hence expense, andare far from foolproof. A single disgruntled employee or lost/stolencodebook is all that is needed to compromise such a code.

In addition, a fundamental failing of conventional PTT systems is aninability to interface with the outside world. This lack of interfacemeans an inability to place a telephone call through the system withoutinvolving the dispatcher. This type of situation may arise, for example,should an individual field employee (an employee with a field unit) beawaiting the results of a medical test for him/herself or a familymember. The employee is faced with three choices: have the doctor/labcontact him/her through the system (in violation of individual privacyrights); stop and call the doctor/lab repetitively from a telephoneuntil the results are available (inconvenient to both the employee andthe employer; or stay at home until the results are available (even moreinconvenient and a loss of income to both the employee and the employer.

Associated with this lack of outside-world interface is the inability tosummon emergency services when seconds may count. This inability maydirectly endanger lives and/or property.

With the proliferation of cellular telephone service, the replacement ofPTT systems with cellular telephone systems is now possible.Unfortunately, the use of standard cellular telephone systems in lieu ofPTT systems is not easily accomplished.

The first problem encountered when replacing a PTT system with acellular telephone system is that of overkill. The replacement of asimplex communication system with a full-duplex system represents asignificant waste of resources. Not only must adequate bandwidth forfull duplex communication be allocated, it often must be allocated forthe full duration of the conversation, i.e., from the time theconnection is made until the parties hang up. These inefficiencies are aresult of the circuit-switching services of cellular telephony, and aredirectly translatable into fiscal losses.

Additionally, the call time for a cellular telephone service issignificantly greater than that of a PTT service for a given message.Again, this is due to the active set up time needed for each call, andalso for the fact that a cell phone's transmitter is must occasionallytransmit even when the phone is only receiving. This excess oftransmission leads to a shorter battery life than desired.

Another problem is that, since a cellular telephone system is capable ofcalling any other telephone anywhere in the world, it uses a dialingscheme essentially the same as the traditional wire-based telephonesystem. Therefore, even with one-button dialing, there is a considerabletime between the commencement of dialing and the completion of theconnection so that communication may occur. This delay, while small forany single call, quickly becomes unmanageable when the standard cellularsystem is used as a PTT dispatching system replacement.

What is needed therefore, is a system that is broad in functionality, iswide in area of coverage, is easily accessible, is pervasive, requiresno special licenses, requires no special equipment, is inexpensive touse, has the flexibility of the global cellular telephone system, andhas the rapidity and ease of use of a conventional PTT dispatchingsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that animproved system for dispatching information packets and a methodtherefore is provided.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a simplex PTTcommunication system is provided utilizing a conventional(non-proprietary) cellular telephone system.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that allows inter-system communicationwithout the need of specialized equipment.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that utilizes a plurality oftransmission points in a given area, thus minimizing shadowing.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that permits selective dispatching(i.e., dispatching to a single field unit or a selected group of fieldunits) without specialized equipment.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that permits silent (text) reception ofa voice dispatch.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that inhibits eavesdropping.

It is another advantage of the present invention that PTT cellularcommunication is provided that permit traditional incoming and outgoingtelephone calls over the same equipment.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a PTT cellularcommunication system is provided that utilizes the conventional cellularsystems while effectively eliminating dial-up delay.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin one form by a method of simplex information-packet dispatchingutilizing a telecommunication network. The method contains atransmitting activity wherein an information packet containing a voiceframe from an origination unit is transmitted. The method also containsa routing activity wherein the information packet is routed via thetelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice thereof. The method also contains a receiving activity whereinthe information packet is received at a destination unit.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin another form by a system for simplex dispatch of an informationpacket utilizing a telecommunication network. The system incorporates anorigination unit configured to generate the information packet tocontain a voice frame and to transmit the information packet via awireless non-circuit-switching service of the telecommunication network,wherein the information packet is configured as an origination packetwhen within the origination unit. The system also incorporates adestination unit coupled to the origination unit via thetelecommunication network and configured to receive and present theinformation packet, wherein the information packet is configured as adestination packet within the destination unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram depicting a system for dispatching aninformation packet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a graphic representation of an origination packet inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a graphic representation of a destination packet having avoice frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a graphic representation of a destination packet having atext frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a graphic representation of a destination packet havingboth a voice frame and a text frame in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart depicting a process for dispatching a simplexinformation packet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess for generating aninformation packet in an origination unit in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram depicting an origination unit of aninformation-packet dispatching system in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess for routing aninformation packet from an origination unit to a server in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess for converting aninformation packet from an origination packet to a destination packet inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram depicting a server of aninformation-packet dispatching system in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess for routing aninformation packet from a server to a destination unit in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess for presenting thecontents of an information packet to a recipient in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram depicting a destination unit of aninformation-packet dispatching system in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram depicting a system 20 for dispatching aninformation packet 22 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

A telecommunication network 24 is used as a base for simplexinformation-packet dispatching system 20. For purposes of thisdiscussion telecommunication network 24 is taken to be at least portionsof the worldwide global telecommunication network, encompassing bothwireless (cellular) and wired portions thereof. Those skilled in theart-will appreciate that different portions of network 24 operate indifferent manners, but that the manner of operation is irrelevant tothis discussion, wherein any functional manner of operation is deemed tobe appropriate. It will also be appreciated that, when system 20 servesa restricted area (e.g., a single city) network 24 may be taken to be asubset of the global telecommunications network, perhaps even a singlecellular telephone system.

An origination unit 26 is configured to generate information packet 22.System 20 dispatches information packet 22 from origination unit 26 to adestination unit 28. The path information packet 22 takes betweenorigination unit 26 and destination unit 28 is a simplex path. That is,information packet 22 proceeds only in a single direction, forward, andall links in that path need only be simplex (unidirectional) links.

Origination and destination units 26 and 28 are cellular telephonesconnected to network 24. Preferably, origination unit 26 is a digitalcellular subscriber unit 30 of a cellular telephone service serving asan origination cellular service 32 of network 24. Similarly, destinationunit 28 is a digital cellular subscriber unit 30 of a cellular telephoneservice serving as a destination cellular service 34 of network 24.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that origination cellularservice band destination cellular service 34 may in actuality be thesame cellular telephone service, and indeed may be the entirety ofnetwork 24, when system 20 is configured to serve a restricted area(e.g., a single city). Conversely, origination cellular service 32 anddestination cellular service 34 may be displaced geographically, and maybe functionally different (e.g., digital cellular telephone services inthe United States and in France), in which case, origination unit 26 maybe different in kind from destination unit 28, even though both aredigital cellular subscriber units 30. Examples of differing digitalcellular telephone systems are those meeting the well-known GSM, TDMA,CDMA, CDMA2000, and UMTS standards. Each information packet 22 is routedbetween origination/destination units 26/28 using a wirelessnon-circuit-switched service (NCSS). Each cellular telephone is capableof providing three types of wireless service. Circuit-switched service(CSS) is the normal full-duplex, high-bandwidth, high-power-consumptionservice used for conventional cellular telephony. Short-message service(SMS) is a simplex, low-bandwidth, low-power consumption service usedprimarily to pass data to and from the subscriber unit 30. Packet-switchservice (PSS) is a low-power-consumption service used primarily for thetransmission of data packets. System 20 utilizes either SMS or PSS forthe simplex dispatching of information packets 22 containing voice(audio) audio frames, hence non-circuit-switched system (NCSS).

Each information packet 22 is routed from origination unit 26 to anorigination cell site 36 within network 24 via a wirelessnon-circuit-switching service (NCSS) channel 38 of origination cellularservice 32 of network 24. Information packet 22 is then routed throughan origination server node 40 of network 24 to a server 42. Network 24assigns NCSS (SMS or PSS) channels for this communication, whichchannels occupy much less spectrum and consume much less power than aCSS channel.

After being processed within server 42, information packet 22 is routedthrough one or more destination server nodes 44 of network 24 and to adestination cell site 46 of one or more destination cellular services34. From one or more destination cell sites 46, information packet 22 isrouted to one or more destination units 28 via a wireless NCSS channel48 of destination cellular service 34.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that server nodes 40 and/or 44may or may not be a part of cellular services 32 and/or 34,respectively. The locations of server nodes 40 and 44 and theirconnectivity to cellular services 32 and 34 are beyond the scope of thepresent discussion. For the purposes of the present invention, servernodes 40 and 44 have connectivity with cell sites 36 and 46,respectively, through network 24.

FIGS. 2 through 5 show a graphic representation of an origination packet50 (FIG. 2), a destination packet 52 having a voice frame 54 (FIG. 3), atext frame 56 (FIG. 4), and both voice frame 54 and text frame 56 (FIG.5) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1 through 5.

Origination unit 26 generates information packet 22 configured asorigination packet 50, as seen in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment,origination packet 50 contains a packet header (HEADER) 58. Packetheader 58 typically contains addressing and other information used bynetwork 24 to properly process information packet 22. Most commonly,packet header 58 contains the address of server 42, thereby allowingnetwork 24 to route origination packet 50 thereto. The specific contentsof packet header 58 are dependent upon the requirements of originationcellular service 32 and network 24, and are therefore beyond the scopeof this discussion.

Origination packet 50 also contains an origination address (O-ADDR) 60.Origination address 50 uniquely identifies origination unit 26.Origination address 60 is passed to server 42 for conversion purposesand is desirably passed to destination unit 28 for dispatchidentification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in someembodiments, origination address 60 may be incorporated into packetheader 58. The use of alternative embodiments of origination address 60does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, origination packet 50 also contains alogical destination address (L-ADDR) 62. Logical destination addressidentifies the specific one or more destination units 28 to whichinformation packet 22 is to be dispatched. Any given destination addressmay be logical or physical. As used herein, a logical destinationaddress is a code representing one or more destinations, e.g., “thecurrent team leader,” “the members of group ‘B’,” “all units in zone12,” etc. A physical destination address is a unique representation of aspecific destination. Telephone numbers are an example of physicaladdresses.

Since logical destination address 62 is logical rather than physical, itmay be associated with any single destination unit 28 or any combinationof destination units 28 within system 20. In this manner, group as wellas individual dispatching may be carried out.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments (e.g.,where system 20 serves a small and/or fixed number oforigination/destination units 26/28), logical destination address 62 maybe replaced with a physical destination address 64 (discussed in moredetail hereinafter). This eliminates the need for conversion (discussedhereinafter), but impairs the maximum size and flexibility of system 20.Use of physical destination address 64 in lieu of logical destinationaddress 62 does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Origination packet 50 also contains voice frame 54. Voice frame 54 isgenerated by origination unit 26 in response to the voice of anoriginator (discussed in more detail hereinafter). This allows system 20to be used in a manner analogous to a conventional PTT system.

Information packet 22 is converted from origination packet 50 todestination packet 52 by a configuration portion 66 of server 42.Destination unit 28 receives information packet 22 configured asdestination packet 52. Destination packet 52 may assume any of severalembodiments (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) within system 20.

Like origination packet 50, destination packet 52 has an originationaddress (O-ADDR) 60 in the desired embodiment. Origination address 60uniquely identifies origination unit 26, at least within the domain ofunits 26/28 served by server 42. By passing origination address 60 on todestination packet 52, destination unit 28 is made capable of reportingthe origin of a dispatch to a recipient (see FIG. 14).

In destination packet 52, logical destination address 62 may be replacedby physical destination address 64. Physical destination address 64uniquely identifies the destination unit 28 to which information packet22 has been dispatched.

System 20 is capable of group dispatching, i.e., dispatching informationpacket to a plurality of destination units 28. In a group dispatch,server 42 converts origination packet 50 into a plurality of destinationpackets 52, each having a unique physical destination address 64. Eachunique physical destination address 64 is for one of the destinationunits 28 designated as a destination group (not shown) addressed by asingle logical destination address 62 in origination packet 50.

Destination packet 52 also has a packet header 58. As discussedhereinbefore in conjunction with origination packet 50, destinationpacket header 58 contains a form of physical destination address 64allowing network 24 to route destination packet 52 to destination unit28.

Destination packet 52 may contain voice frame 54 (FIG. 3). Voice frame54 as used in destination packet 52 may be identical to voice frame 54as used in origination packet 50. In this case, server 42 retainsorigination voice frame 54 in position. Conversely, voice frame 54 asused in destination packet 52 may differ from voice frame 54 as used inorigination packet 50. In this case, configuration portion 66 of server42 converts voice frame 54 from a format (not shown) used in originationpacket 50 to a format (not shown) desired for destination packet 52.Typically, a vocoder uses a recognized standard, e.g., one of the G.711,G.722, G.723, G.728, or G.729 standards. An example of such a conversionwould be the use of an appropriate devocoder to extract voice signal 74from voice frame 54 encoded in the format used by origination packet 50,then the use of an appropriate vocoder to encode voice signal 74 intovoice frame 54 in the format desired for destination packet 52.

Destination packet 52 may contain text frame 56. In this case, server 42converts voice frame 54 of origination packet 50 into text frame 56desired for destination packet 52. The use of text frame 56 allowssystem 20 to implement silent dispatching. An example of such aconversion would be the use of a devocoder to extract voice signal 74from voice frame 54, the use of a speech-to-text converter to createtext signal 190 (FIG. 14), and the encoding of text signal 190 into textframe 56.

Destination packet 52 may contain both voice frame 54 and text frame 56.In this case, proceeding as discussed hereinabove; server 42 producesframes 54 and 56 as desired for destination packet 52.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, during activation and atselected other times, each unit 26/28 briefly communicates with server42 through network 24. Activation occurs when a unit 26/28 is placed inservice for use in system 20. Other times can occur when users of system20 wish to change programming of units 26/28 or preferences programmedfor unit 26/28. During this brief communication, various parameters aredownloaded to and uploaded from unit 26/28. Among those parametersdownloaded are data and routines required for unit 26/28 to perform asorigination/destination unit 26/28, and among those parameters uploadedare data indicating the voice versus text preferences of the unit 26/28.The details of such communications are a function of the programs usedto implement service 20 and, as such, are beyond the scope of thisdiscussion.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart depicting a process 68 for dispatching simplexinformation packet 22 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 7 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess 70for generating information packet 22 in origination unit 26, and FIG. 8shows a block diagram depicting origination unit 26. The followingdiscussion refers to FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 8.

System 20 uses process 68 to allow components of cellular telephoneservices 32 and 34, and subscriber units 30, to work with server 42 andprovide simplex information-packet dispatching. A given digital cellularsubscriber unit 30 (FIGS. 1 and 8) serves as origination unit 26 andperforms generating subprocess 70 (FIGS. 6 and 7).

Within an input element 72 (FIG. 8), a producing task 74 (FIG. 7) ofsubprocess 70 produces an analog audio (voice) signal (V-SIG) 76 from avoice (audible sound) 78 of an originator 80. Input element 72 istypically made up of a microphone and related circuitry.

Within an encoding element 82 (FIG. 8), an encoding task 84 (FIG. 7)encodes voice signal (V-SIG) 76 into voice (audio) frame (V-FRM) 54.Encoding element 82 is typically a vocoder circuit or other circuitryconfigured to render analog voice signal 76 into digital voice frame 54(FIG. 2).

Within a construction element 86 (FIG. 8), a constructing task 88 (FIG.7) constructs origination packet (O-PKT) 50 (FIG. 2). That is,constructing task 88 forms header 58, establishes origination anddestination addresses 60 and 62, and prepares origination packet for theinsertion of voice frame 54.

Within an insertion element 90 (FIG. 8), an enclosing task 92 (FIG. 7)then encloses voice frame (V-FRM) 54 within origination packet (O-PKT)50. This completes subprocess 70, and control is returned to process 68(FIG. 6).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above scenario fortasks 84, 88, and 92 is exemplary only, and that in practice a singleprocessing element (e.g., a digital signal processor) may be used toperform all three tasks. The use of alternative hardware than thatdescribed herein does not depart from the spirit of the presentinvention.

Once origination packet 50 has been completed, an allocating task 94(FIG. 6), carried out through the cooperation of origination unit 26 andnetwork 24, briefly allocates a traffic channel 38 for use by an NCSSservice of system 20. Task 94 involves a brief communication betweenoriginating unit 26 and originating cellular service 32 over a controlchannel (not shown), which results in the brief allocation of trafficchannel 38 by cellular service 32 for NCSS purposes.

Within an output element 96 (FIG. 8), a transmitting task 98 thentransmits origination packet (O-PKT) 50 to origination cell site 36. Atthe same time, cell site 36 receives origination packet 50, and theallocated channel is immediately de-allocated, whereupon it becomesavailable for other uses by origination cellular service 34

It may be seen in FIG. 8 that origination unit 26 has three serviceswith which to communicate with origination cell site 36. The first is acircuit-switching service (CSS) 100. This is a fully duplex service usedfor conventional cellular communication. The second is a short-messageservice (SMS) 102 and the third is a packet-switching service (PSS) 104.SMS 102 and PSS 104 are each used for data (non-voice) communication byconventional cellular services. Short-message service 102 andpacket-switching service 104 are non-circuit-switching services (NCSS)106. System 20 uses one of non-circuit-switching services 106 (eitherone) for voice dispatching.

NCSS channel 38 is not allocated and origination packet 50 is nottransmitted until after an inception of information packet 22. That is,origination unit 26 begins the construction of origination packet 50,and is then free to allocate NCSS channel 38 for transmission of thestill-under-construct origination packet 38. This “windowing” abilitysignificantly reduces the overall time between the inception oforigination-unit construction and the termination of origination-unittransmission.

After transmission, channel 38 is de-allocated. In this way, the use ofnon-circuit-switching services 106 serves to reduce the allocation andtransmission time. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatnon-circuit-switching services 103 use considerably less bandwidth thancircuit-switching services 100. This, coupled with the significantreduction in allocation and transmission time, produces a significantreduction in the overall expenditure of system resources in network 24.This in turn produces a significant reduction in operating expenses.

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess 108 for routinginformation packet 22 from origination unit 26 to server 42 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thefollowing discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 6, and 9.

Network 24 (FIG. 1) performs Routing subprocess 108 (FIGS. 6 and 9) toroute origination packet (O-PKT) 50 from origination unit 26 to server42.

A routing task 110 (FIG. 9) routes origination packet (O-PKT) 50 fromorigination unit (O-UNIT) 26 to origination cell site (O-SITE) 36 oforigination cellular service 32 via origination NCSS channel 38 (FIG.1). NCSS channel 38 is briefly allocated for transmission of originationpacket 50 then de-allocated.

Another routing task 112 (FIG. 9) then routes origination packet (O-PKT)50 from origination cell site (O-SITE) 36 through origination servernode 40 to server 42. This routing may take any convenient path and maytraverse a packet-switched network, such as the Internet. This completessubprocess 108 and control is returned to process 68 (FIG. 6).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that server node 40 need not bea part of cellular service 32. Server node 40 need only be accessible tocellular service 32 to fulfill all required functions, i.e., tointerface server 42 with network 24.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess 114 for configuringinformation packet 22 from origination packet (O-PKT) 50 to destinationpacket (D-PKT) 52. FIG. 11 shows a block diagram depicting server 42 ofinformation-packet dispatching system 20 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1, 10 and 11.

Following subprocess 108, origination packet 50 has arrived at anorigination portion 116 of server 42 (FIGS. 1 and 11). Process 68 thenexecutes configuring subprocess 114 (FIGS. 6 and 10) to configureorigination packet (O-PKT) 50 as destination packet (D-PKT) 52.

Within a reception element 118 (FIG. 11) in origination portion 116 ofserver 42, a receiving task 120 (FIG. 10) receives origination packet(O-PKT) 50 from network 24.

Within a deconstructing element 122 (FIG. 11) in origination portion 116of server 42, a deconstructing task 124 (FIG. 10) then deconstructsorigination packet (O-PKT) 50. Origination packet 50 has now been“broken” into its component parts for analysis, conversion, andconfiguration.

Within an addressing element 126 (FIG. 11) of configuration portion 66of server 42, an addressing query task 128 (FIG. 10) determines iforigination packet (O-PKT) 50 contains a logical destination address(L-ADDR) 62 (FIG. 2).

If query task 128 determines that origination packet 50 contains alogical destination address 62, then a converting task 130 (FIG. 10)converts logical destination address (L-ADDR) 62 into a physicaldestination address (P-ADDR) 64. This conversion may be performedthrough the use of a table look-up operation or other scheme. Moreover,if logical destination address 62 specifies a group, then logicaldestination address 62 is converted into a plurality of physicaldestination addresses 64, where each physical destination address 64 isused in a unique destination packet 52 directed to a single destinationunit 28 of the group.

Within a voice-frame element 132 (FIG. 11) following task 130 or ifquery task 128 determines that origination packet 50 contains a physicaldestination address 64, a voice-frame query task 134 (FIG. 10)determines if destination packet (D-PKT) 52 is to incorporate voiceframe (V-FRM) 54.

If query task 134 determines that destination packet 52 is to containvoice frame 54, then another voice-frame query task 136 (FIG. 10)determines if destination packet (D-PKT) 52 is to have the same voiceframe (V-FRM) 54 as origination packet (O-PKT) 50. That is, is theformat of the origination voice frame 54 the same as the desired formatof the destination voice frame 54.

If query task 136 determines that destination packet 52 is to have thesame voice frame 54 as origination packet 50, then a retaining task 138(FIG. 10) retains voice frame (V-FRM) 54 used in origination packet 50.That is, the origination voice frame 54 is passed to destination packet52.

If query task 136 determines that destination packet 52 is not to havethe same voice frame 54 as origination packet 50, then a converting task140 (FIG. 10) converts voice frame 54 from the format used inorigination packet 50 to the format to be used for destination packet52. In a typical scenario, an appropriate devocoder decodes theorigination voice frame 54 to reproduce voice signal 76. An appropriatevocoder then encodes voice signal 76 into a new voice frame 54 havingthe desired format.

Within a text-frame element 142 (FIG. 11) following tasks 138 or 140, atext-frame query task 144 (FIG. 10) determines if destination packet(D-PKT) 52 is to contain a text frame (T-FRM) 56.

If query task 134 determines that destination packet 52 is not tocontain voice frame 54 or if query task 144 determines that destinationpacket is to have text frame 56, then a converting task 146 (FIG. 10)converts voice frame (V-FRM) 54 into text frame (T-FRM) 56. This may beaccomplished by using an appropriate devocoder to decode the originationvoice frame 54 and reproduce voice signal 76. A voice-to-text conversionroutine may then be used to convert voice signal 76 into text signal 190(FIG. 14). An encoder may then encode text signal 190 into text frame56.

Within a header element 148 (FIG. 11) following task 146 or if querytask 144 determines that destination packet (D-PKT) 52 is not to havetext frame (T-FRM) 56, then an updating task 150 (FIG. 10) updatespacket header 58 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) to contain appropriate addressinginformation for network 24.

Within a construction element 152 in a destination portion 154 of server42, a constructing task 156 (FIG. 10) constructs destination packet(D-PKT) 52. This may be accomplish by concatenating packet header 58,origination address 60, physical destination address 64, and voice frame54 and/or text frame 56 to form destination packet 52.

Within a transmission element 158 (FIG. 11) in a destination portion 154of server 42, a transmitting task 160 then transmits destination packet(D-PKT) 52 to network 24. This completes subprocess 114 and control isreturned to process 68 (FIG. 6).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that server 42 is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 11 as having multiple portions, i.e., origination portion116, configuration portion 66, and destination portion 154. Originationportion 116 is that portion of server 42 primarily concerned withcommunicating with origination unit 26. Configuration portion 66 is thatportion of server 42 primarily concerned with the conversion oforigination packet 50 into at least one destination packet 52.Destination portion 154 is that portion of server 42 primarily concernedwith communicating with destination unit 28.

For group dispatches, there exists more than one destination unit 26(see FIG. 1). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in thiscase, components of configuration portion 66 and the entirety ofdestination portion 154 would be replicated for each destination unit28.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that server 42 may be asingle entity (e.g., a computer) residing in a single locale. In thiscase, portions 116, 66, and 154 of server 42 are components of thatsingle entity, and may be implemented primarily in software. Conversely,server 42 may be distributed, i.e., server 42 may be a plurality ofentities residing in a plurality of locales. In this case, portions 116,66, and 154 of server 42 may be individual entities interconnected intoa single whole. The method of interconnect is preferably apacket-switching network 162 (e.g., the Internet). Variations in theconfiguration and interconnections of server 42 do not depart from thespirit of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess 164 for routinginformation packet 22 from server 42 to destination unit 28 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thefollowing discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 6, and 12.

Network 24 (FIG. 1) performs subprocess 164 (FIGS. 6 and 12) to routedestination packet (D-PKT) 52 from server 42 to destination unit(D-UNIT) 28.

A routing task 166 (FIG. 12) routes destination packet from server 42through destination server node 44 and to destination cell site (D-SITE)46. This routing may take any convenient path and may traverse apacket-switched network, such as the Internet.

An allocating task 168 (FIG. 12) then briefly allocates anon-circuit-switching service (NCSS) traffic channel 48 for use bydestination unit 28. Task 168 involves a brief communication betweendestination cellular service 34 and destination unit 28 over a controlchannel (not shown), which results in the brief allocation of trafficchannel 48 by cellular service 34.

Another routing task 170 (FIG. 12) then routes destination packet(D-PKT) 52 from destination cell site (D-SITE) 46 to destination unit(D-UNIT) 28 via destination NCSS channel 48. This completes subprocess164 and control is returned to process 68 (FIG. 6). NCSS channel 48 isbriefly allocated for transmission of destination packet 52. Inaccordance with conventional NCSS services, NCSS channel 48 isde-allocated as soon as destination packet 52 has been received bydestination unit 28, whereupon NCSS channel 48 is available for otheruses by network 24.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that server node 44 need not bea part of cellular service 34. Server node 44 need only be accessible tocellular service 34 to fulfill all required functions, i.e., tointerface server 42 with network 24.

NCSS channel 48 may be allocated at the inception of the receipt ofdestination packet 52 at destination cell site 46. This allows awindowing function similar to that described hereinbefore in conjunctionwith origination packet 50 and origination cell site 36. This is not arequirement, however, and the allocation of NCSS channel 48 may becarried out after the reception of destination packet 52 at cell site 46has been completed. After transmission, channel 48 is de-allocated. Thisserves to reduce the overall allocation and transmission time.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations ofthe tasks performed within server 42 may be performed by a processingelement and/or various tables. The use of such a processing elementand/or such tables to perform any of such tasks does not depart from thespirit of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart depicting a subprocess 172 for presenting thecontents of destination packet (D-PKT) 52 to recipient 174. FIG. 14shows a block diagram depicting destination unit 28 ofinformation-packet dispatching system 20 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers toFIGS. 1, 6, 13, and 14.

Following subprocess 164, a destination packet 52 has arrived at eachdestination unit 28 (FIGS. 1 and 14) associated with logical destinationaddress 62 in origination packet 50. The following discussion assumesthe singular in that those skilled in the art will appreciate that allsuch destination units 28 are essentially functionally identical.

Within an input element 176 (FIG. 14), a receiving task 178 (FIG. 6)receives destination packet (D-PKT) 52 from network 24.

Process 68 then executes subprocess 172 (FIGS. 6 and 13) to present thecontents of destination packet (D-PKT) 52 to recipient 174 (FIG. 14).

Within a text-extraction element 180 (FIG. 14), a text-frame query task182 (FIG. 13) determines if destination packet (D-PKT) 52 contains textframe (T-FRM) 56.

If query task 182 determines that destination packet 52 contains textframe 56, then an extracting task 184 extracts text frame (T-FRM) 56from destination packet 52.

Within a text-decoding element 186 (FIG. 14), a decoding task 188 (FIG.13) decodes text frame (T-FRM) 56 into text signal 190.

Within a text-output element 192 (FIG. 14), a displaying task 194displays text signal 190 as text 196 upon a display 198 for recipient174. Conventional user controls (not shown) may be implemented tocontrol operation of display 198

Following task 194 and within a voice-extraction element 200 (FIG. 14),a voice-frame query task 202 determines if destination packet (D-PKT) 52contains voice frame (V-FRM) 54.

If query task 202 determines that destination packet 52 does not containvoice frame 54, then in a notification element 204 (FIG. 14) a notifyingtask 206 (FIG. 13) notifies recipient 174 that a text dispatch has beenreceived. This notification may be in the form of a brief audible alarm,vibration, or the like.

If query task 182 determines that destination packet 52 does not containtext frame 56 or query task 202 determines that destination packet 52contains voice frame 54, then in voice-extraction element 200 (FIG. 14)an extracting task 208 (FIG. 13) extracts voice frame (V-FRM) 54 fromdestination packet 52.

Within a voice-decoding element 210 (FIG. 14), a decoding task 212 (FIG.13) decodes voice frame (V-FRM) 54 into voice signal (V-SIG) 76.

In notification element 214 (FIG. 14), a notification query task 216(FIG. 13) determines if recipient 174 prefers to be notified of thereceipt of destination packet 52 prior to the output thereof. Desirably,recipient 174 may program destination unit 28 to specify thispreference.

If query task 216 determines that recipient 174 prefers to be notified,then a notifying task 218 (FIG. 13) notifies recipient 174 that a voicedispatch has been received. This notification may be in the form of abrief audible alarm, vibration, or the like.

Following task 218 or if query task 216 determines that recipient doesnot wish to be notified of the reception of a voice dispatch, thenwithin a delay element 220 (FIG. 14) a delay query task 222 (FIG. 13)determines if recipient 174 prefers the outputting of voice dispatchesdelayed until requested. Desirably, recipient 174 may programdestination unit 28 to specify this preference.

If query task 222 determines that recipient 174 prefers dispatch outputdelayed, then a delaying task 224 (FIG. 13) delays dispatch output untilrequested by recipient 174. This may be useful when recipient 174 cannotbe disturbed by the outputting of a voice dispatch.

Following task 224 or if query task 222 has determined that recipientdoes not wish dispatch output to be delayed, within a voice-outputelement 226 an outputting task 228 outputs voice signal 76 as voice(audible sound) 78 for recipient 174.

Following task 206 or task 228, subprocess 172 and process 68 arecomplete.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of tasks182, 184, 188, 194, 202, 206, 208, 212, 216, 218, 222, 224, and 228 maybe implemented with a single processing element (e.g., a digital signalprocessor). The use of such a processing element does not depart fromthe spirit of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that system 20 is capable ofdispatching a single voice frame to a multiple of destination units 28.In such a case, certain tasks and elements described hereinbefore willbe replicated accordingly in a manner obvious to one so skilled. The useof multiple destination units does not depart from the spirit of thepresent invention.

In summary, the present invention teaches an improved system 20 andprocess 68 for dispatching information packets 22 is provided. SimplexPTT communication system 20 utilizes conventional cellular telephoneservices 32 and 34 in a telecommunication network 24. System 20 allowsinter-cellular-service communication without the need of specializedequipment. By using cellular services 32 and 34, a plurality oftransmission points in a given area is provided, thus minimizingshadowing. System 20 permits selective dispatching without specializedequipment. System 20 provides voice to text conversion for silentreception of a voice dispatch. System 20, being digital, inhibitseavesdropping and allows for easy data encryption. Since any unit is adigital cellular subscriber unit 30 of cellular service 32/34, any unitmay be used to directly access cellular service 32/34 in a conventionalcellular manner, i.e., may place or receive a traditional cellulartelephone call. The functionality of system 20 may be added to any givensubscriber unit 30 while retaining full cell-phone functionality.Conversely, the functionality of system 20 may be added to any givensubscriber unit 30 in lieu of some or all cell-phone functionality. Itis desirable, however, that 911 emergency-call functionality bemaintained.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A method of simplex information-packet dispatching, said methodcomprising: exchanging configuration parameters between an originationunit and a telecommunication network, wherein exchanging includesdownloading data and routines from said telecommunication network tosaid origination unit to configure said origination unit; transmittingfrom said origination unit, an information packet containing an audioframe, wherein said information packet specifies a plurality ofdestination units; routing said information packet via atelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; and receiving said information packet at said plurality ofdestination units.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said routingincludes routing said information packet across a packet-switchingnetwork.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting includestransmitting an information packet specifying a logical destinationaddress identifying destination units to which said information packetis to be dispatched.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein transmittingincludes transmitting an information packet specifying a physicaladdress identifying a destination unit to which said information packetis to be dispatched.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said routingincludes routing said information packet in response to a logicaldestination address identifying destination units to which saidinformation packet is to be dispatched.
 6. The method of claim 5 whereinrouting includes routing said information packet to physical addressescorresponding to said destination units.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein said routing includes routing said information packet inresponse to a physical address identifying a destination unit to whichsaid information packet is to be dispatched.
 8. The method of claim 1further comprising: initially communicating between said originationunit and said telecommunication network through a control channel; andsubsequently communicating between said origination unit and saidtelecommunication network through an allocated channel.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said transmitting, routing, and receiving includetransmitting, routing and receiving an information packet containingtext and voice data.
 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving said information packet at a server of a packet-switchingnetwork; and configuring said information packet as a destinationpacket.
 11. A method of simplex information-packet dispatching, saidmethod comprising: exchanging configuration parameters between anorigination unit and a telecommunication network, wherein exchangingincludes uploading from said origination unit to said telecommunicationnetwork parameters specifying a voice versus text preference for saidorigination unit; transmitting from said origination unit, aninformation packet containing an audio frame, wherein said informationpacket specifies a plurality of destination units; routing saidinformation packet via a telecommunication network utilizing a wirelessnon-circuit-switching service; and receiving said information packet atsaid plurality of destination units.
 12. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: transmittingfrom an origination unit an information packet containing an audioframe, wherein said information packet specifies a plurality ofdestination units; routing said information packet via atelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; and receiving said information packet at said plurality ofdestination units, wherein receiving includes receiving a notifying taskindicative of a text dispatch.
 13. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: transmittingfrom an origination unit an information packet containing an audioframe, wherein said information packet specifies a plurality ofdestination units; routing said information packet via atelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; and receiving said information packet at said plurality ofdestination units, wherein receiving includes receiving a notifying taskconfigured to produce an audible alarm.
 14. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: transmittingfrom an origination unit an information packet containing an audioframe, wherein said information packet specifies a plurality ofdestination units; routing said information packet via atelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; and receiving said information packet at said plurality ofdestination units, wherein receiving includes receiving a notifying taskconfigured to produce a vibration.
 15. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: transmittingfrom an origination unit an information packet containing an audioframe, wherein said information packet specifies a plurality ofdestination units; routing said information packet via atelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; receiving said information packet at said plurality ofdestination units; and delaying the dispatch of said information packetto said destination unit until requested by a recipient at saiddestination unit, wherein said delaying is configured by said recipientat said destination unit.
 16. A method of simplex information-packetdispatching, said method comprising: transmitting from an originationunit an information packet containing an audio frame, wherein saidinformation packet specifies a plurality of destination units; routingsaid information packet via a telecommunication network utilizing awireless non-circuit-switching service; receiving said informationpacket at said plurality of destination units; and delaying the dispatchof said information packet to said destination unit until requested by arecipient at said destination unit and notifying said recipient of adelayed dispatch.
 17. A method of simplex information-packetdispatching, said method comprising: transmitting from an originationunit an information packet containing an audio frame, wherein saidinformation packet specifies a plurality of destination units; routingsaid information packet via a telecommunication network utilizing awireless non-circuit-switching service; receiving said informationpacket at said plurality of destination units; and delaying the dispatchof said information packet to said destination unit until requested by arecipient at said destination unit and delaying the dispatch of allinformation packets to said destination unit until requested by arecipient at said destination unit.
 18. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: transmittingfrom an origination unit an information packet containing an audioframe; routing said information packet via a telecommunication networkutilizing a wireless non-circuit-switching service, delaying thedispatch of said information packet until requested by a recipient at adestination unit; and receiving said information packet at saiddestination unit after said delaying, wherein said delaying isconfigured by said recipient at said destination unit.
 19. A method ofsimplex information-packet dispatching, said method comprising:transmitting from an origination unit an information packet containingan audio frame; routing said information packet via a telecommunicationnetwork utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switching service; delaying thedispatch of said information packet until requested by a recipient at adestination unit; and receiving said information packet at saiddestination unit after said delaying and notifying said recipient of adelayed dispatch.
 20. A method of simplex information-packetdispatching, said method comprising: transmitting from an originationunit an information packet containing an audio frame; routing saidinformation packet via a telecommunication network utilizing a wirelessnon-circuit-switching service; delaying the dispatch of said informationpacket until requested by a recipient at a destination unit; andreceiving said information packet at said destination unit after saiddelaying and delaying the dispatch of all information packets to saiddestination unit until requested by a recipient at said destinationunit.
 21. A method of simplex information-packet dispatching, saidmethod comprising: initially communicating between an origination unitand a telecommunication network through a control channel; subsequentlycommunicating between said origination unit and said telecommunicationnetwork through an allocated channel; transmitting from said originationunit an information packet containing an audio frame; routing saidinformation packet via said telecommunication network utilizing awireless non-circuit-switching service; receiving said informationpacket at a destination unit; and delaying the dispatch of saidinformation packet to said destination unit until requested by arecipient at said destination unit, wherein said delaying is configuredby said recipient at said destination unit.
 22. A method of simplexinformation-packet dispatching, said method comprising: initiallycommunicating between an origination unit and a telecommunicationnetwork through a control channel; subsequently communicating betweensaid origination unit and said telecommunication network through anallocated channel; transmitting from said origination unit aninformation packet containing an audio frame; routing said informationpacket via said telecommunication network utilizing a wirelessnon-circuit-switching service; receiving said information packet at adestination unit; and delaying the dispatch of said information packetto said destination unit until requested by a recipient at saiddestination unit and notifying said recipient of a delayed dispatch. 23.The method of claim 22 wherein said routing includes routing saidinformation packet across a packet-switching network.
 24. The method ofclaim 22 further comprising, prior to said transmitting, exchangingconfiguration parameters between said origination unit and saidtelecommunication network.
 25. A method of simplex information-packetdispatching, said method comprising: initially communicating between anorigination unit and a telecommunication network through a controlchannel; subsequently communicating between said origination unit andsaid telecommunication network through an allocated channel;transmitting from said origination unit an information packet containingan audio frame; routing said information packet via saidtelecommunication network utilizing a wireless non-circuit-switchingservice; receiving said information packet at a destination unit; anddelaying the dispatch of said information packet to said destinationunit until requested by a recipient at said destination unit anddelaying the dispatch of all information packets to said destinationunit until requested by a recipient at said destination unit.